Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to physical interfaces, especially those used on consumer electronics devices. A processor, in which an embodiment of the disclosed invention is deployed, includes a physical interface for connecting to and communicating with a peripheral device, the peripheral device being configured to operate according to a standard communications protocol or to a different protocol which is adapted to have a more bandwidth-efficient performance. The processor detects which of the two protocols the attached peripheral device uses and configures the physical interface to operate according to the detected protocol. An embodiment of the invention allows for new, bandwidth-efficient communications protocols to be executed across existing standardized physical interface hardware, thereby allowing for easier acceptance of the new protocols within the consumer electronics industry.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a communication device receives a request to establish a media session with a remote endpoint. In response to receiving the request, the communication device exchanges media-session control data with the remote endpoint on behalf of a local endpoint to establish the requested media session between the local endpoint and the remote endpoint. The communication device is communicatively connected to the local endpoint via a Personal Area Network (PAN) communication link. The communication device relays media-session payload data between the local and remote endpoints. The media-session payload data (i) is associated with the media session and (ii) is encrypted based on at least one payload-data cryptographic key that is not accessible to the communication device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a communication device receives a request to establish a media session with a remote endpoint. In response to receiving the request, the communication device exchanges media-session control data with the remote endpoint on behalf of a local endpoint to establish the requested media session between the local endpoint and the remote endpoint. The communication device is communicatively connected to the local endpoint via a Personal Area Network (PAN) communication link. The communication device relays media-session payload data between the local and remote endpoints. The media-session payload data (i) is associated with the media session and (ii) is encrypted based on at least one payload-data cryptographic key that is not accessible to the communication device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to physical interfaces, especially those used on consumer electronics devices. A processor, in which an embodiment of the disclosed invention is deployed, includes a physical interface for connecting to and communicating with a peripheral device, the peripheral device being configured to operate according to a standard communications protocol or to a different protocol which is adapted to have a more bandwidth-efficient performance. The processor detects which of the two protocols the attached peripheral device uses and configures the physical interface to operate according to the detected protocol. An embodiment of the invention allows for new, bandwidth-efficient communications protocols to be executed across existing standardized physical interface hardware, thereby allowing for easier acceptance of the new protocols within the consumer electronics industry.